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Intention

To accompany our suffering brothers and sisters as Jesus does.

Scripture

“While they were talking, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but they did not recognise him. He said to them, ‘What are you discussing?’ Looking sad, Cleopas replied ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word and how he was condemned to death and crucified. We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel.

“Jesus said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe!’ Then beginning with Moses, he interpreted the things about himself in the Scriptures. Later, when he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him. That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem where they found the eleven and their companions gathered.”

– Luke 24:13–35

Reflection

Many of us have heard the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus multiple times. But today, we invite you to see it as an example of Jesus accompanying two people in desperate need of mercy.

The two disciples are fleeing Jerusalem in fear. They’ve left the community of believers and set out on their own. Like so many in our community today, they have lost hope.

Now, Jesus draws near to them and walks with them. He listens to their story and sorrow, empathising, consoling – accompanying them.

Then he begins his instruction.

He starts with a rebuke: they are “foolish” and “slow of heart to believe” (Luke 24:25). They are stuck in wrong-think, which is preventing them from seeing and receiving the good news.

Recalling the sacred words of Scripture, He demonstrates the fulfilment of God’s plan in the events of His own life. He leads them to see purpose and meaning in the traumatising events of the past few days.

Lastly, he prays with them and offers his own body for their nourishment. The Scripture says He “took the bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” (Luke 24:30). At this, “their eyes were opened” (Luke 24:31). Now they see!

The fog of despair dissipates, and their hope is restored. Immediately, they repent (i.e. change direction) and return to the community of believers, full of joy and renewed faith.

Some scholars have suggested that the two disciples are Cleopas and his wife Mary. We know from John’s Gospel that Mary was one of those at the crucifixion with the mother of Jesus (John 19:25), so it seems plausible that the unnamed second disciple was this woman.

If so, it leads us to reflect: How many couples are just like this one? Despairing and losing hope? It may be that their relationship is struggling. Or that one of their children is pursuing a path of self-destruction. Or that some other personal tragedy afflicts them.

Like the pair heading to Emmaus, initially, they cannot see a resolution to their issues. As a result, they seek to escape the reality of their circumstances. They do not recognise Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. Sadly, they pursue a path independently of the believing community.

Yet Jesus enters their life discreetly – even anonymously. He accompanies them in their pain. Then, He invites them into a new reality – a different way of seeing their tragedy (“their eyes were opened”).

Jesus feeds and nourishes them with His words and body. He attends to their physical and spiritual needs.

He then empowers them to do the same for others.

Video

Prayer

Lord God, You love us with an everlasting love and call us to enter more fully into intimacy with You. May we encounter You ever more deeply as our loving Creator.

As we seek to accompany our brothers and sisters in pain, keep us mindful of the example we provide through our life of faith. Teach us to suffer graciously in our own lives, relying on You for strength and encouragement.

Give us a pure heart so that we may see You in every person we encounter. We pray, Lord Jesus, that through us, each one might encounter Your steadfast love, empathy and longing for communion.

Lead us in the way of mercy. Amen.

Author Bio

Francine and Byron Pirola are the cofounders of SmartLoving, a global Catholic marriage apostolate that serves over 4000 couples annually.

Together and individually, they have launched or led numerous initiatives including CathFamily, the Antioch Youth Movement, the Raphael Network, and Life Marriage & Family Network. Francine and Byron were married in 1988, and have five adult children and four grandchildren.

Prayer Points and Purpose for October 2024

1. Revival and restoration of sexual integrity to renew the individual, revitalise marriages, restore families and protect children. Hebrews 13:4
2. Revival, repentance and reformation of Australia. 2 Chronicles 7:14
3. Revival, repentance and reformation of America. 2 Chronicles 7:14
4. The Lamb that was slain may receive a reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:12

We invite you to support this prayer campaign by ordering your FREE copy of Break Through: 15 Keys to Supernatural Breakthrough, a book on prayer written by Warwick Marsh. Reading this book will multiply the effectiveness of your prayers. You can make a donation to the Canberra Declaration to help pay it forward and bless someone else to receive a free copy of Break Through.

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